Sociology (SOC)

Courses

SOC-101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00 Credits

An introduction to the basic concepts, principles and processes in sociology with materials relating to culture, social interaction, institutions and social change.

SOC-102 SOCIAL PROBLEMS 3.00 Credits

Students develop a sociological frame of reference for understanding some of the complex problems of our society. Problems examined include poverty, environmental degradation, racism, sexism, crime, substance abuse, inadequate healthcare, etc. in the context of American society.

SOC-275 PRIN OF INTERVIEWING AND CASE STUDIES 3.00 Credits

Behavioral sciences theory as applied to interviewing and case studies is examined in this course in order to understand the effects of setting, interview stages, and levels of communication during the interviewing process.

SOC-290 DIRECTED STUDY IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-3.00 Credits

Graded P/F only.

SOC-291 WORKSHOP IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-3.00 Credits

SOC-292 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-295 PRACTICUM IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-9.00 Credits

SOC-299 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-310 RELIGION IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY 3.00 Credits

Students study religion as a social phenomenon by examining the functions and organization of religions. The reciprocal relationship between religion and other social institutions is illuminated by historical examples and current trends in religion.

SOC-315 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY 3.00 Credits

A study of the institutions of marriage and the family emphasizing the various social factors and forces affecting relationships within the family as well as the changing role and forms of marriage and family in society. Prerequisites: ENGL-102 or ENGL-109 or instructor permission.

SOC-320 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 3.00 Credits

The theories of causation, prevention, control, and treatment of delinquency in contemporary society are studied. Included in this survey are modes of treatment, methods of diverting youth-related problems from the juvenile courts to other community resources, and post-treatment adjustment. Cross-listed with JS-320.

SOC-325 SOCIAL STRATIFICATION 3.00 Credits

Students study the major dimensions of social stratification systems, including class, prestige and power and how inequalities manifest themselves in everyday life. Pre-requisite: SOC-101.

SOC-333 WHITE COLLAR CRIME 3.00 Credits

The costs, causes, and control of crime by and against businesses and other organizations; the relationship between trust and white collar crime; and the impact of the media in shaping perceptions of white collar crime will be studied. Pre-requisites: JS-103 or SOC-101 or SOC-102 and ENGL-102 or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with JS-333.

SOC-345 CRIMINOLOGY 3.00 Credits

Students study crime and society, theories of criminality, types and trends of crime, characteristics of criminals, social control, and criminological controversies. Pre-requisite: JS-103 or SOC-101 or instructor permission. Cross-listed with JS-345.

SOC-355 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 3.00 Credits

This course introduces students to some of the most pressing issues facing rural peoples and areas today. Students learn about the historical and contemporary relationships of rural peoples and regions to urban areas and the global economy and the impact of these relationships on the well being of rural people and their environments. Emerging forms of political, economic, and social organization in rural areas are examined in this context of the historical legacy. Prerequisites: SOC-101 or ENGL-102 or ENGL-109 or instructor permission.

SOC-360 RACE AND ETHNICITY 3.00 Credits

An introduction to the theoretical and substantive issues in the study of race and ethnicity. Students learn about the historical development of race and ethnicity as social categories and examine contemporary race and ethnic relations in the United States and other societies.

SOC-366 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY 3.00 Credits

An introduction to the sociological study of the relationship between human societies and the environment, with an emphasis on anthropogenic drivers of environmental change and how responses to environmental problems are socially mediated. By the end of course, students will be able to engage in discussions on the links between human activities and contemporary environmental problems in an informed and critical manner. Pre-requisite: ENGL-102.

SOC-375 DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL CONTROL 3.00 Credits

Students study the origins and functions of deviant behaviors and social control to learn of their effect on maintaining and/or changing society. Pre-requisite: Junior standing.

SOC-390 DIRECTED STUDY IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-3.00 Credits

SOC-392 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-399 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-403 SOCIAL CHANGE 3.00 Credits

This course provides an analysis of the political economic, ecological, and ideological sources and consequences of social change. Students critically examine historical and contemporary processes of societal development and change and the impact of such processes on individuals, communities, and societies in global context. Pre-requisite: SOC-101.

SOC-422 RACE, CLASS, GENDER & JUSTICE 3.00 Credits

This course explores the effects of race, class and gender on the criminal justice system. Patterns of offending and victimization associated with the categories of race, class and gender will be studied. Students will study topics such as profiling, disparities in sentencing and the death penalty, minority overrepresentation in prison, responses to battering, and criminal justice system employment practices. Pre-requisite: JS-103 or SOC-101 or instructor permission. Cross-listed with JS-422.

SOC-425 VIOLENCE AND GENDER 3.00 Credits

This course will provide an overview of gender-based violence. Crimes such as domestic violence, stalking, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment will be analyzed within a broader social context. Special attention will be given to how these crimes affect women and men, and how societal institutions (e.g., the criminal justice system, the health care system, employers, and social service providers) may better address the needs of victims and offenders. The course will be based on information gathered through current research, guest lectures, and scholarly and media resources. Pre-requisite: ENGL-102 or ENGL-109. Cross-listed with JS-425.

SOC-480 VICTIMOLOGY 3.00 Credits

This course involves the scientific study of crime victims and focuses on the physical, emotional, and financial harm people suffer at the hands of offenders. Emphasis is placed on victim-offender relationships, interactions between victims and the criminal justice system, and connections between victims and other social groups and institutions. Theories, history, research, legislation, and policy implications related to the social construction of "the victim" are explored. Pre-Requisites: ENGL-102 or ENGL-109; and a total of 24 credit hours in the General Education Core or instructor permission. Cross-listed with JS-480.

SOC-490 DIRECTED STUDY IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-3.00 Credits

SOC-491 WORKSHOP IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-492 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-12.00 Credits

SOC-495 PRACTICUM IN SOCIOLOGY 1.00-9.00 Credits